Human Activities
Fishing
Commercial
Trends: Commercial Landings
A figure showing trends in fishing catch (pounds, left y-axis) and economic value (dollars, right y-axis) for seven major fisheries around the Channel Islands (2000 to 2012). Figure credit: Leeworthy et al. 2014a.
Click for Details
Trends over time in commercial fishing activity in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) based on landings pounds (blue bars) and value (dark blue line) for seven fisheries from 2000 to 2012. Landings were combined for twenty-two blocks that overlap substantially with the sanctuary (see Figure App.C4.3. for map). Landings for market squid, sardine, and anchovy declined recently while landings of crabs increased. Landings of sea urchin, spiny lobster, and prawn and shrimp were relatively stable. For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.4 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Trends: Halibut Fishery
A figure showing the pounds of California halibut landed by gear type in the commercial fleet from 2005 - 2014. Data source: CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.
Click for Details
Landings of California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in blocks around Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary by hook/line (blue), gillnet (green), and trawl (teal) fishing gear. Landings data from the Santa Barbara port complex (Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme) and reflect take from the Fish and Game blocks 683–691, 706-714, 744, 745, 764, and 765 (see Figure App.C4.3 for map of blocks). For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.5a in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
A figure showing the number of fishing vessels (and gear types used) in the California halibut fishing fleet from 2005 - 2014. Data source: CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.
Click for Details
The number of vessels fishing for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in blocks around Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary by hook/line (blue), gillnet (green), and trawl (teal) fishing gear. Landings data from the Santa Barbara port complex (Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme) and reflect take from the Fish and Game blocks 683–691, 706-714, 744, 745, 764, and 765 (see Figure App.C4.3 for map of blocks). For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.5b in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Trends: Rock Crab Fishery
A figure showing the increase in rock crab fishing from 2007 - 2015.Data source: CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.
Click for Details
Commercial fishing activity for rock crabs has increased recently in blocks around Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Landings of rock crabs have increased since 2010. Commercial rock crab data from blocks 683–691, 706–714, 744–745, and 764–765 (see Figure App.C4.3 for map of blocks). For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.6a in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.
A figure showing the increase in the number of crabbers (those who fish for crabs) from 2007 to 2015. Data source: CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.
Click for Details
Commercial fishing activity for rock crabs has increased recently in blocks around Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The number of fishers landing crab has increased since 2008. Commercial rock crab data from blocks 683–691, 706–714, 744–745, and 764–765 (see Figure App.C4.3 for map of blocks). For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.6b in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Trends: By Gear Type
A figure showing fish catch of bottom-dwelling fish, reported from within the Sanctuary from 1985 - 2015. Data source: CDFW; Figure: P. Etnoyer/NOAA.
Click for Details
Landings (in pounds) and the relative contribution of gear types has changed over time due to changing regulations, economics, and consumer demand. Since 2002, there is zero to minimal set net and trawl landings, and reduced landings for bottom longlines and traps until 2008, followed by a dramatic increase in bottom longline and trap landings to peak levels. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.2 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: Trawling and Deep Sea Corals
A map showing landings of fish caught by trawling (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water corals, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.
Click for Details
Trawling landings across the Southern California Bight, as illustrated by CDFW 10 square kilometer blocks and shown along with known locations of stony deep-water corals. Trawling is known to disturb bottom habitats and deep-sea corals. Even though trawling effort has decreased in recent years, the impacts of this gear type can be long lived. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.3 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: Fixed Gear and Deep Sea Corals
A map showing landings of fish caught by fixed gear (a method of commercial fishing) across the Southern California Bight (2007-2011). Locations of known deep-water gorgonians, which are very vulnerable to trawling, are indicated on the map. Data source: CDFW, Perry et al 2010; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA, Etnoyer et al. 2015.
Click for Details
Historical landings of fixed gear that could impact benthic habitats are shown along with the locations of deep-sea gorgonians in the map above. Fixed gear usage is moderate around the Channel Islands and likely impacts gorgonians in CINMS habitats. Data is from 2007 to 2011. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.4 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: Trawl & Fixed Gear with MPAs
A map showing the locations of both trawling and fixed gear fishing in relation to protected areas (2007-2011) within the Southern California Bight. Data source: CDFW; Map credit: P. Etnoyer/NOAA
Click for Details
Overlay of trawl and fixed gear fishing activity from 2007 to 2011 and protected areas is shown in the map above. Much of the landings is off the Santa Barbara mainland coast; however, fixed gear usage regularly occurs in Sanctuary waters. For more information, consult Figure App.C.3.5 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Recreational
Fishing activity (number of trip and number of anglers per trip) for Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessels (CPFVs) operating out of ports in Santa Barbara and Ventura from 2000 to 2012. Figure credit: Chen et al. 2015b.
A figure of Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel (CPFV) trips and anglers per trip accross years (2000 to 2012). Figure credit: Chen et al. 2015b.
Click for Details
Fishing activity landings for Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessels (CPFVs) operating out of ports in Santa Barbara and Ventura from 2000 to 2012. Activity landings in 2011 and 2012 returned to levels seen in the early 2000s. For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.2b in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Research
Trends: Active Permits
Annual number of unique research projects (green) and active research permits (red) in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) database for research permits in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) from 2010 to 2016. One permit could contain multiple projects. Data source: B. Owens/ CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.
Number of projects with active CDFW research permits in CINMS by habitat type. Active permits only include those that are currently in use; non-student permits are issued for three years and student permits are issued for only one year. Student permits issued before June 6, 2015 were not included in this summary.
Human Impacts
Contaminants
Benthic Response Index
Trends: Condition by region
A figure showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator. Figure credit: K. Schiff/SCCWRP
Click for Details
Comparisons of the Benthic Response Index (BRI), a diversity index of contaminant tolerant and sensitive infauna, among different regions of the Southern California Bight is shown. Island shelf sites (upper right) had been at reference levels (highest ranking) until 2013, when approximately 30 percent of sites were reclassified as low impact. Other regions in the bight did not experience such a large BRI decline as the island shelf, which indicates potential new impacts to sediments around southern California Islands. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.10 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2013 Trends at sites
A map showing the relative impact of human activity on the seafloor across different regions of the Southern California Bight, using the Benthic Response Index as an indicator. Data Source: K. Schiff/ SCCWRP; Map credit: M. Cajandig/NOAA.
Click for Details
The Southern California Water Research Project uses a diversity index of tolerant and sensitive infauna, also known as the Benthic Response Index (BRI), to gauge the ecosystem impact from anthropogenic contamination. The map above shows the 2013 locations of samples and the BRI trends at each location. Previously, island sites were all considered 100 percent pristine (reference), but now roughly 70 percent of samples are considered degraded from that status. Decline in BRI was particularly prevalent around Santa Cruz Island. This decline in BRI was not mirrored in other regions in southern California. The most recent samples, collected in 2013, found that ten of the 15 sites in Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary had infaunal community compositions that were shifting towards species more tolerant of degraded conditions (red) compared to the samples collected previously. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.9 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2013 Conditions at sites
A map showing sediment sample locations and their respective Benthic Reponse Index sites from a 2013 Southern California Bight-wide survey. The Benthic Response Index is a measure of the impact of humans on the seafloor. Figure credit: K. Schiff/SCCWRP.
Click for Details
SCCWRP sediment sample locations and their respective Benthic Response Index (BRI) from the 2013 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. In order to create the BRI, infaunal invertebrate communities are characterized based on the proportion of taxa present in a sample that are sensitive to as opposed to tolerant of contaminant levels. Using a composite score of the infauna community, SCCRWP labels sample sites as reference, low impact, moderate impact, or high impact. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.11 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Contaminants in Sediments
Map: 2008 DDT
A map showing DDT contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. DDT is most prominent around the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Bay. DDT is a legacy contaminant, which means it persists in the environment long after introduction. A large amount of DDT in the bight came from the dumping of the contaminant by the Montrose Chemical Company off Palos Verdes until the early 1980s, which is why the surrounding areas have high DDT levels. CINMS is relatively far from the spill site and thus, has limited DDT concentrations in sediments. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.12 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2008 Copper
A map showing copper contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Copper contaminant levels at sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 Bight wide survey are shown in the map. Copper is a heavy metal contaminant that in high concentrations can be toxic to living marine resources. Concentrations in CINMS are consistently low compared with other regions in the southern California Bight. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.13 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2008 Silver
A map showing silver contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Silver contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. Silver is a heavy metal contaminant that in high concentrations can be toxic to living marine resources. Concentrations in CINMS and the Santa Barbara Channel are consistently low compared other regions in the Southern California Bight. High concentrations of silver appear to be clustered off the two largest population centers: Los Angeles and San Diego. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.14 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2008 PBDEs
A map showing the contaminent levels of Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (which are used as flame retardants) in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Sediment contaminant levels for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Southern California Bight are shown in the map above. These products are typically added to manufactured products as flame retardants. Concentrations of PBDEs are low at the islands compared to mainland areas. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.15 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Map: 2008 Pyrethroids
A map showing pyrethroid (insecticide) contaminant levels in sediments collected across the Southern California Bight in 2008. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Pyrethroids contaminant levels in sediment sampling locations during SCCRWP’s 2008 bight-wide survey are shown in the map. Pyrethroids are typically pollutants coming from insecticide use. In recent years, there has been no agriculture on the islands and thus, pyrethroids are absent from CINMS sediments. Sediments adjacent to CINMS off Ventura have low levels of pyrethroids likely due to agriculture in that area. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.16 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Trends: Exposure levels by region
A figure showing the amount of impacted sediment in varying categories of exposure to sediment contamination (“Cat”) across five sites and three years. Figure credit: Schiff et al. 2011.
Click for Details
Percent area of impacted sediments by stratum and survey year in varying categories of exposure to sediment contamination are shown in the bar plot. Category 1 is minimal exposure; Category 2 is low exposure; Category 3 is moderate exposure; and Category 4 is high exposure. Categories are determined by two prominent chemistry indices determined by analyzing a suite of chemical concentrations present in sediment samples. Missing bars represent no data. In minimal exposure, sediment-associated contamination may be present, but exposure is unlikely to result in effects. In low exposure, small increase in contaminant exposure may be associated with increased effects, but magnitude or frequency of occurrence of biological impacts is low. In moderate exposure, there is clear evidence of sediment contaminant exposure at concentrations that are likely to result in biological effects. For high exposure, contaminant exposure is highly likely to result in substantial biological effects. The Channel Islands have no sediments in Category 4 and the large majority of sediments are in Category 1 or 2, thus indicating limited contamination impact in sanctuary sediments. At this time, the suites of chemical indices have not yet been completed for the 2008 bight-wide survey. For more information, consult Figure App.E.11.17 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Noise
Listening Stations
A map showing the location of historic (green dots) and current (yellow dots) passive acoustic monitoring stations around the Sanctuary and Santa Barbara Channel. Map credit: M. Cajandig/NOAA.
Click for Details
Previous (green dots) and current (yellow dots) passive acoustic monitoring stations in and around CINMS are shown along with several sources of anthropogenic noise: ports and harbors, oil platforms, shipping lanes, and military testing zones. SIO = Scripps Institution of Oceanography; NOAA NRS = Noise Reference Station. For more information, consult Figure App.C.2.8 in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.Trends: Sound Levels
A graph showing noise levels in the Santa Barbara Channel from 2007 to 2016. 40Hz bands are shown in red, 90Hz bands are shown in blue. Data sources: McKenna et al. 2012, J. Hildebrand/ UCSD unpub. data; Figure credit: J. Hildebrand/SIO UCSD.